Police reassure residents after South Tyneside assault

A man and a woman were taken to hospital for treatment after the incident in Simonside Hall at 2:42am.

Officers are searching for a man in connection with the attack. The offender is described as being white, around 30 years old and was wearing a grey tracksuit and dark blue hooded top.

Chief Inspector Aiden Sloan, from Northumbria Police, said police will be on patrol in the area.

"Such incidents are rare but local residents will have seen a number of officers in the street in early hours of this morning. Local neighbourhood officers will be in the area throughout today to support and reassure the local community."